ABUJA, Nigeria — The U.N. human rights chief expressed concern last week that Nigeria’s new anti-gay law may have negative consequences on public health there, the AP reports. Navi Pillay says the law could hinder government, civil and religious groups from delivering HIV education and preventative care and deter gay and transgender people from seeking services.

She told Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke at a meeting on March 13 that the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act violates fundamental human rights and the Nigerian constitution.

Adoke said the laws “do not criminalize individual sexual orientation.” He indicated there would be no consideration for Pillay’s call for a moratorium on prosecutions, the AP said.

The minister said a poll showed 92 percent of Nigerians support the law. It further criminalizes homosexuality as well as people working in HIV/AIDS programs for gays, who have a much higher infection rate, the article said.